Head-to-head · 2026

Geelong Grammar School vs Sacred Heart College Geelong

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 6 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Geelong Grammar School is Anglican; Sacred Heart College Geelong is Catholic.
  • Gender: Geelong Grammar School is co-educational; Sacred Heart College Geelong is girls.
  • Geelong Grammar School offers boarding; Sacred Heart College Geelong is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $50,240: Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 54: Geelong Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Geelong Grammar School Sacred Heart College Geelong
City / suburbCorio, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorAnglicanCatholic
Genderco-educationalgirls
Year levelsELC to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA11491095
Year 12 fee$55,380$5,140
Year 7 fee$45,740$4,615
BoardingYes · $93,840/yrDay school
Founded18551860
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaRoman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy)

All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Geelong Grammar School

Standout strengths

  • Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)
  • Founder of the Positive Education movement in Australia
  • Australia's most expensive school; one of Asia-Pacific's best-known boarding schools

Anglican co-educational school in Corio, Geelong. Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)

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Sacred Heart College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)
  • Sisters of Mercy heritage (founded 1860)
  • Edstart payment-plan partnership

Catholic girls school in Newtown, Geelong. One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Geelong Grammar School or Sacred Heart College Geelong?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Geelong Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.

What are the 2026 fees for Geelong Grammar School and Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $55,380 (Year 7: $45,740). Sacred Heart College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $5,140 (Year 7: $4,615). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Geelong Grammar School vs Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1149; Sacred Heart College Geelong has 1095. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.

Which school is older, Geelong Grammar School or Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School is the older school (founded 1855 vs 1860 for Sacred Heart College Geelong).

Do Geelong Grammar School or Sacred Heart College Geelong offer boarding?

Geelong Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $93,840/yr. Sacred Heart College Geelong: Day school only.

Next step

Model the 6-year cost for either school

Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.

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